Sheath for securing urinary catheter

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device that secures a straight or Foley catheter in the urinary tract of a male subject. The device includes a portion that can be coupled to the subject&#39;s penis and a portion that can be coupled to the straight or Foley catheter. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using this device and to assemblies including the device and a straight or Foley catheter.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a device that secures a straight orFoley catheter in the urinary tract of a male subject. The deviceincludes a portion that can be coupled to the subject's penis and aportion that can be coupled to the straight or Foley catheter. Thepresent invention also relates to methods of making and using thisdevice and to assemblies including the device and a straight or Foleycatheter.

BACKGROUND

Movement of an urinary catheter when it resides in a subject's urethraor bladder can be uncomfortable for the subject. There remains a needfor devices that can reduce or eliminate movement of a catheter after ithas been inserted into a subject's urethra.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a catheter retention sheath. The catheterretention sheath can include a sheath configured to fit over a penis.The sheath can include a catheter retainer, which can be configured tocouple to a shaft of a urinary catheter. The catheter retainer candefine an aperture. A first portion of the aperture can be configured toallow axial movement of the shaft of the urinary catheter through theaperture. A second portion of the aperture can be configured to retainthe shaft of the urinary catheter.

The present invention includes a method of catheterizing a subject. Thismethod can include providing a catheter retention sheath. This catheterretention sheath can include a catheter retainer configured to couple toa shaft of a urinary catheter. The catheter retainer can define anaperture. A first portion of the aperture can be configured to allowaxial movement of the shaft of the urinary catheter through theaperture. A second portion of the aperture can be configured to retainthe shaft of the urinary catheter. This method also includes inserting ashaft of a urinary catheter into the first portion of the aperture,inserting a portion of the shaft of the urinary catheter into asubject's urethra, and urging the shaft of the urinary catheter from thefirst portion of the aperture into the second portion of the aperture.

The present invention includes a method of making a catheter retentionsheath. This method includes applying silicone rubber to a portion of amandrel and forming an aperture in the silicone rubber. A first portionof the aperture can be configured to allow axial movement of the shaftof the urinary catheter through the aperture. A second portion of theaperture can be configured to retain the shaft of the urinary catheter.This method also includes curing the silicone rubber to form thecatheter retention sheath defining the aperture.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes a catheter system. Thecatheter system includes a urinary catheter having a shaft and thepresent catheter retention sheath.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 schematically represents an embodiment of a catheter systemaccording to the present invention and including an embodiment of thepresent catheter retainer and a urinary catheter including a shaft.

FIG. 2 schematically represents an embodiment of the present catheterretainer.

FIG. 3 schematically represents an embodiment of the present tubeshowing an embodiment of a lumen and of a slit.

FIG. 4 schematically represents an embodiment of a catheter systemaccording to the present invention and including an embodiment of thepresent catheter retainer and a urinary catheter including a shaft. Theurinary catheter is shown in an embodiment of the catheter retentionopening.

FIG. 5 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the presentcatheter retention sheath including a rolled-up sheath portion.

FIG. 6 schematically represents an embodiment of the present catheterretainer including a tab-shaped transition section that defines theopenings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a device that secures a urinarycatheter (e.g., a straight or Foley catheter) in the urinary tract of amale subject. The device includes a portion that can be coupled to thesubject's penis and a portion that can be coupled to the straight orFoley catheter. The portion that can be coupled to the subject's peniscan be in the form of a sheath or condom configured to fit a penis,e.g., a normal, flaccid penis. The device including the sheath or condomportion and the portion that couples to the urinary catheter can bereferred to as a catheter retention sheath.

The portion of the catheter retention sheath that couples to the urinarycatheter can define an aperture with two portions. A first portion ofthe aperture is configured so that the urinary catheter can move freely(at least in the direction of the axis of its shaft) through this firstportion. This first portion of the aperture can be larger than theoutside diameter of a shaft of the urinary catheter and can allow theurinary catheter into and through the sheath or condom portion. A secondportion of the aperture can be configured to restrict motion of theurinary catheter. For example, this second portion of the aperture can,in a relaxed state, be approximately the same size as or smaller thanthe outside diameter of the shaft of the urinary catheter. The urinarycatheter can be lodged in this second portion of the aperture and itsmotion restricted with respect to the sheath and the subject (at leastin the direction of the axis of its shaft).

The portion of the catheter retention sheath that couples to the urinarycatheter can include a neck portion that defines part or all of thesecond portion of the aperture. This neck portion can include, forexample, a tube with a slit along it that is coupled to the sheathportion.

The present invention includes a catheter retention sheath. The catheterretention sheath can include a sheath configured to fit over a penis.The sheath can include a catheter retainer, which can be configured tocouple to a shaft of a urinary catheter. The catheter retainer candefine an aperture. A first portion of the aperture can be configured toallow axial movement of the shaft of the urinary catheter through theaperture. A second portion of the aperture can be configured to retainthe shaft of the urinary catheter.

In an embodiment, the first portion of the aperture is larger than theoutside diameter of a shaft of the urinary catheter. For example, thefirst portion of the aperture can be configured to allow the urinarycatheter into and through the sheath or condom portion of the catheterretention sheath.

In an embodiment, the second portion of the aperture is configured toimmobilize the urinary catheter in the sheath. In an embodiment, afterthe urinary catheter is inserted in the subject, the second portion ofthe aperture is configured to restrict motion of the urinary catheterwith respect to the subject's penis and bladder. For example, the secondportion of the aperture is, in a relaxed state, approximately the samesize as or smaller than the outside diameter of the shaft of the urinarycatheter. In an embodiment, the catheter retainer defines a slit thatcouples the first portion of the aperture to the second portion of theaperture.

In an embodiment, the present catheter retention sheath includes a neckportion that defines part or all of the second portion of the aperture.In an embodiment, the neck portion includes a tube coupled to thesheath, the tube defining an axial slit. In an embodiment, the catheterretainer includes an integral conical portion of thicker material thatdefines part or all of the second portion of the aperture.

The present catheter retention sheath can be employed with any of avariety of urinary catheters. Suitable urinary catheters include astraight catheter and a Foley catheter.

In an embodiment, the sheath includes an inner surface and an outersurface, the inner surface including an adhesive configured to adhere tothe penis. For example, the sheath can include a tubular sleeve memberof resilient material rolled outwardly upon itself, the sleeve memberhaving an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of thesleeve member can contact a layer of adhesive and the layer of adhesivecan contact the inner surface of the sleeve member. In an embodiment,the adhesive includes or is a hydrocolloid composition. In anembodiment, the adhesive composition is between the inner and outersurfaces of one or more consecutive rolls so that the adhesive iscovered by the inner surface when the sheath is in rolled up condition.

In an embodiment, the present catheter retention sheath includes anadhesive band made of resilient material and configured to retain thesheath on the penis.

In an embodiment, the catheter retention sheath is made of a compositionincluding silicone. For example the catheter retention sheath can bemade of silicone rubber. In an embodiment, the catheter retention sheathconsists of silicone rubber.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes a catheter system. Thecatheter system includes a urinary catheter having a shaft and thepresent catheter retention sheath.

Illustrated Embodiments

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a catheter retentionsheath according to the present invention and a straight urinarycatheter. Catheter retainer 1 includes a sleeve 3, a tube 5, and atransition section 7 between the sleeve 3 and tube 5. Sleeve 3 isillustrated in its rolled configuration. Transition section 7 definescatheter access opening 9, which is configured to allow movement of astraight urinary catheter 11. In FIG. 1, straight urinary catheter 11 isshown protruding through catheter access opening 9 in a configurationsuitable, for example, for insertion into a subject. Tube 5 definescatheter retention opening (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), which is configuredto reduce movement of or to immobilize straight urinary catheter 11.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another view of the catheter retainer 1of FIG. 1 and showing tube 5, catheter access opening 9, and slit 13,which is defined by tube 5. Slit 13 and a lumen (shown in FIG. 3) oftube 5 form catheter retention opening 15. FIG. 3 schematicallyillustrates tube 5 showing lumen 17 and slit 13, which form catheterretention opening 15.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of catheter retainer 1with a straight urinary catheter in catheter retention opening 15defined by tube 5. Straight urinary catheter 11 can be urged into lumen17 from catheter access opening 9. In an embodiment, the straighturinary catheter 11 has been inserted into the subject's urethra beforeit is positioned in the catheter retention opening. Sleeve 3 is notshown in FIG. 4, but could be in its rolled configuration when thestraight urinary catheter 11 is being inserted into the subject'surethra and then unrolled onto the subject's penis after insertion.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates features of an embodiment of catheterretainer 1 without showing straight urinary catheter 11, access opening9, or slit 13. In this embodiment, catheter retainer 1 has a unitaryconstruction which includes a sleeve 3, a tube 5, and a transitionsection 7 between the sleeve 3 and tube 5. Catheter retainer 1 can bemade of silicone rubber. Catheter retainer 1 has an inner surface 19 andan outer surface 21. Following manufacture and during pre-use storage,catheter retainer 1 can be in a pre-use configuration as shown in FIG.1, wherein a first portion 23 of sleeve 3 is rolled up on itself so thatexcept as indicated hereinafter inner surface 19 is rolled up againstand comes into contact with outer surface 21. Interposed between most ofinner surface 19 and outer surface 21 of sleeve 3 can be an adhesivelayer 25. Adhesive layer 25 adheres to inner surface 19 and does notadhere to outer surface 21 when sleeve 3 is unrolled. The reason forsuch phenomenon is discussed in more detail hereinafter. Adhesive layer25 can also include a second portion 27 formed on a significant portionof transition section 7. First portion 29 and second portion 27 ofadhesive layer 25 can be contiguous as transition section 7 changes formto sleeve 3.

Sleeve 3 can be formed as a cylinder having a diameter appropriate for alimp penis. Sleeve 3 can have a length of about 1 to about 5 inches. Thelength of sleeve 3 can be selected to be long enough to providesufficient fastening adhesion between first portion 29 of the adhesivelayer 25 on the inside surface of the sleeve 3 and the penile shaft, butnot so long so that the sleeve 3 cannot be completely unrolled when arecessed penis is pulled outwardly to expose the total length of penileshaft with respect to pelvic skin. First portion 29 can include all ofthe inner surface of sleeve 3 except an adhesive-free band 31 on theinner surface of sleeve 3 adjacent its open end. Band 31 can provide aloose end for a practitioner or user of the device to grasp and begin toroll sleeve 3 back on itself or otherwise to remove an installedcatheter retainer 1.

Transition section 7 provides a reduction in diameter from sleeve 3 totube 5. Second portion 27 to which adhesive can be applied contiguouslywith the hydrocolloid on first portion 29 includes most of the coneportion of transition section 7. In an embodiment, second portion 27 canprovide an advantageously large adhesive surface within transitionsection 7 to contact and adhere to the glans penis. In an embodiment, anapex portion 33, which connects with and opens to tube 5, is free ofadhesive. Sleeve 3 can be rolled in the pre-use configuration. Hence,second portion 27 on the inside surface 19 of transition section 7 maybe exposed (although the entire catheter retainer 1 can be appropriatelyprotected in a package). Sleeve 3 and transition section 7 can have athickness which allows them to be conformed to the shape of the penis asthe adhesive adheres to the penis. Tube 5 has a greater thickness so asto retain its shape and provide for suitable retention of straighturinary catheter 11.

Tube 5 can be configured to provide a structure that retains its shape(e.g., doesn't collapse) when formed in a smaller diameter section 35and a larger diameter section 37. The device can include an optionalshort transitional neck 39 extends between sections 35 and 37. In anembodiment, a narrow portion 46 of the cone-shape of transition section7 can extend between larger diameter section 37 and the rest oftransition section 7 so as to provide a short portion 46 of greaterthickness leading to the larger portion of transition section 7 having athinner thickness.

Although adhesive layer 25 adheres to the inner surface 19, the adhesivelayer 25 does not adhere to the outer surface 21 when sleeve 3 isunrolled. Adhesive layer 25 can be simply adhered to inner surface 19 oralternatively bonded to the inner surface 19 by a catalyzed process, forexample, a vulcanizing process, in which constituents within theadhesive composition are cross-linked to constituents within thesilicone rubber which is formed from an unvulcanized silicone rubbersolution overcoat layer during the vulcanizing process. Once theadhesive layer 25 is adhered or bonded to the inner surface 19 and theouter surface is formed (e.g., according to a process describedhereinafter), adhesive no longer irreversibly adheres to outer surface21. Although the adhesive will releasably adhere to outer surface 21, amoderate force separates the surfaces resulting in the adhesiveremaining adhered to the inner surface 19. Contact between adhesivelayer 25 and outer surface 21 is referred to as “releasable contact” or“releasable adherence.” As indicated, this type of contact or adherenceis characterized in that it permits a relatively easy separation of thehydrocolloid from the contacting surface.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present catheterretainer 1 in which a tab-shaped transition section 7 defines catheteraccess opening 9 and catheter retention opening 15.

Sheath

The catheter retainer can have of any of a variety of configurationswith a tubular sleeve or a sheath that fits over a penis. The tubularsleeve or the sheath can be made of a resilient material (e.g., siliconerubber) and can have an inner surface and an outer surface. In anembodiment, the present catheter retainer includes a sheath sized forfitting about a normal, flaccid penis.

The sheath can include a flexibly cylindrical member rolled outwardlyupon itself forming consecutively larger rolls. This cylindrical membercan have adhesive composition between consecutive rolls. The outersurface of the cylindrical member can release the adhesive compositionwhen the member is unrolled and inner surface of the cylindrical memberretains the adhesive when the member is unrolled. In this fashion, thesheath may be stored with the adhesive composition protected betweenconsecutive rolls of the member and used by unrolling the member onto apenis allowing the adhesive to release from the outer surface andallowing the adhesive to adhere to the inner surface and the penis.

Adhesive

The adhesive composition can be on a portion of the inner surface. In apackage and before use, the tubular sleeve or the sheath can be rolledup upon itself. In the rolled up configuration, the tubular sleeve orsheath can isolate the adhesive composition from the surroundings. Forexample, the adhesive composition can be between layers of the rolledsleeve or sheath. In the rolled configuration, the outer surface of thesleeve or sheath can contact the layer of adhesive composition and thelayer of adhesive composition can contact the inner surface of thesleeve or sheath. For example, the adhesive composition can be betweenthe inner and outer surfaces of one or more consecutive rolls so thatthe adhesive is covered by the inner surface when the sheath is rolledup.

In an embodiment, the adhesive composition is in the form of a layerthat is directly and non-releasably bonded to a portion of the innersurface. The adhesive composition can releasably contact one or moreportions of the outer surface. The inner surface of the silicone rubbersheath can be rolled up upon the outer surface. The layer of adhesivecomposition on the portion of the inner surface comes into releasablecontact with one or more portions of the outer surface. The adhesivecomposition on the outer surface can then release from the outer surfacewith which it has come into contact, while remaining bonded to the innersurface, when the silicone rubber sheath is forcibly unrolled.

The adhesive can be or can include a hydrocolloid composition oradhesive. The hydrocolloid can have (strong) adhesive properties andcompatibility with both skin and catheter materials. The hydrocolloidcomposition can include an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, apolyacrylic acid polymer, and, optionally, a neutralizer. Thepolyacrylic acid polymer can be a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer.Such a crosslinked polymer can provide efficient rheology modificationand enhanced self-wetting. Suitable polyacrylic acid polymers includethat sold under the trade name CARBOPOL ULTREZ 10 NF® by Lubrizol,Cleveland, Ohio. Suitable neutralizers include amines, such as anaminomethyl propanol.

Suitable amino methyl propanols include that sold under the trade nameAMP-95® by Angus, a subsidiary of Dow Chemical. The commercial productincludes 93-97 wt-% 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol and about 5% water. Incertain embodiments, the amounts of neutralizer listed in the presentapplication can be multiplied by, for example, about 0.93, about 0.97,or about 0.93 to about 0.97 to account for the level of active in thecommercial product. In certain embodiments, the amount of neutralizerlisted in the present application refers to a neutralizer stock solutionthat includes about 93-97 wt-% 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol.

For making the catheter retainer, the hydrocolloid prep composition caninclude about 90 to about 99.99 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., theadhesive composition) the remainder being solvent); about 0.01 to about10 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5 wt-%) polyacrylic acid polymer; and,optionally, about 0.01 to about 5 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5 wt-%)neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition caninclude about 90 to about 99.99 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., theadhesive composition) the remainder being solvent); and about 0.01 toabout 10 wt-% of polyacrylic acid polymer and neutralizer; theneutralizer and polyacrylic acid polymer being in a ratio of about 0.9to about 1 (e.g., 0.9:1). The amount of neutralizer can be justsufficient to neutralize the polyacrylic acid polymer without addingadditional basicity to a mixture of the polyacrylic acid and theneutralizer. In an embodiment, the neutralizer and polyacrylic acidpolymer are in a ratio of 0.7-0.99:0.95-1.2 (e.g., 0.9:1). Once dried orcured on the catheter or mandrel, the hydrocolloid adhesive compositioncan include about 55 to about 99.98 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive; about 0.02 to about 30 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer; and,optionally, about 0.02 to about 15 wt-% neutralizer.

For making the catheter retainer, the hydrocolloid prep composition caninclude about 90 to about 99.99 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., theadhesive composition) the remainder being solvent); about 0.01 to about10 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5 wt-%) polyacrylic acid polymer; and,optionally, about 0.01 to about 5 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5 wt-%)neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition caninclude about 90 to about 99.99 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., theadhesive composition) the remainder being solvent); about 0.01 to about10 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5 wt-%) polyacrylic acid polymer; and about 0.01to about 5 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5 wt-%) neutralizer. In an embodiment,the hydrocolloid prep composition can include about 96 to about 99.6wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and solvent (about 35 toabout 45 wt-% solids (e.g., the adhesive composition) the remainderbeing solvent); about 0.2 to about 2 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer; andabout 0.2 to about 2 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid prep composition can include about 98 to about 99.4 wt-% ofacrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45wt-% solids (e.g., the adhesive composition) the remainder beingsolvent); about 0.3 to about 1 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer; and about0.3 to about 1 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prepcomposition can include about 99 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., theadhesive composition) the remainder being solvent); about 0.5 wt-%polyacrylic acid polymer; and about 0.5 wt-% neutralizer.

In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition can include about 90to about 99.99 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and solvent(about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., the adhesive composition) theremainder being solvent). In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prepcomposition can include about 96 to about 99.6 wt-% of acrylic pressuresensitive adhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g.,the adhesive composition) the remainder being solvent). In anembodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition can include about 98 toabout 99.4 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and solvent(about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., the adhesive composition) theremainder being solvent). In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prepcomposition can include about 99 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive and solvent (about 35 to about 45 wt-% solids (e.g., theadhesive composition) the remainder being solvent).

In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition can include about0.01 to about 10 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5 wt-%) polyacrylic acid polymer.In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition can include about0.2 to about 2 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid prep composition can include about 0.3 to about 1 wt-%polyacrylic acid polymer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prepcomposition can include about 0.5 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer.

In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition includes no addedneutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep compositionincludes no neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prepcomposition can include about 0.01 to about 5 wt-% (e.g., about 0.5wt-%) neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep compositioncan include about 0.2 to about 2 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid prep composition can include about 0.3 to about 1 wt-%neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid prep composition caninclude about 0.5 wt-% neutralizer.

Once dried or cured on the catheter or mandrel, the hydrocolloidadhesive composition can include about 55 to about 99.98 wt-% of acrylicpressure sensitive adhesive; about 0.02 to about 30 wt-% polyacrylicacid polymer; and, optionally, about 0.02 to about 15 wt-% neutralizer.In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid adhesive composition can includeabout 55 to about 99.96 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive;about 0.02 to about 30 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer; and about 0.02 toabout 15 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloidcomposition can include about 90 to about 99.4 wt-% of acrylic pressuresensitive adhesive; about 0.3 to about 5 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer;and about 0.3 to about 5 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid composition can include about 94 to about 99 wt-% acrylicpressure sensitive adhesive; about 0.5 to about 3 wt-% polyacrylic acidpolymer; and about 0.5 to about 3 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment,the hydrocolloid composition can include about 97 to about 98 wt-% ofacrylic pressure sensitive adhesive; about 1 to about 1.5 wt-%polyacrylic acid polymer; and about 1 to about 1.5 wt-% neutralizer. Inan embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can include about 97 wt-% ofacrylic pressure sensitive adhesive; about 1.5 wt-% polyacrylic acidpolymer; and about 1.5 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid composition can include about 98 wt-% of acrylic pressuresensitive adhesive; about 1 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer; and about 1wt-% neutralizer.

Once dried or cured on the catheter or mandrel, the hydrocolloidadhesive composition can include about 55 to about 99.98 wt-% of acrylicpressure sensitive adhesive. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid adhesivecomposition can include about 55 to about 99.96 wt-% of acrylic pressuresensitive adhesive. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition caninclude about 90 to about 99.4 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can includeabout 94 to about 99 wt-% acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. In anembodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can include about 97 to about98 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid composition can include about 97 wt-% of acrylic pressuresensitive adhesive. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition caninclude about 98 wt-% of acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive.

Once dried or cured on the catheter or mandrel, the hydrocolloidadhesive composition can include about 0.02 to about 30 wt-% polyacrylicacid polymer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can includeabout 0.02 to about 30 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer. In an embodiment,the hydrocolloid composition can include about 0.3 to about 5 wt-%polyacrylic acid polymer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid compositioncan include about 0.5 to about 3 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer. In anembodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can include about 1 to about1.5 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloidcomposition can include about 1.5 wt-% polyacrylic acid polymer. In anembodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can include about 1 wt-%polyacrylic acid polymer.

Once dried or cured on the catheter or mandrel, the hydrocolloidadhesive composition can include about 0.02 to about 15 wt-%neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can includeabout 0.02 to about 15 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid composition can include about 0.3 to about 5 wt-%neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can includeabout 0.5 to about 3 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, thehydrocolloid composition can include about 1 to about 1.5 wt-%neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid composition can includeabout 1.5 wt-% neutralizer. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloidcomposition can include about 1 wt-% neutralizer.

The hydrocolloid can include a bioadhesive. Examples of suitablebioadhesives include poly(isobutylene) and acrylic adhesives. Thehydrocolloid can be intimately mixed with the bioadhesive to produce anintegral material.

Other suitable hydrocolloids include natural gums, such as plantexudates (gum arabic, ghatti, karaya, and tragacanth); plant seed gums(guar, locust bean and acacia), seaweed extracts (agar, algin, alginatesalts and carrageenin), cereal gums (starches and modified starches),fermentation or microbial gums (dextran and xanthan gum), modifiedcelluloses (hydroxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose andcarboxymethylcellulose) pectin, gelatin, casein and synthetic gums(polyvinylpyrrolidone, low methoxyl pectin, propylene glycol alginates,carboxymethyl locust bean gum and carboxymethyl guar gum) andwater-swellable or hydratable hydrocolloids. The term hydrocolloid isused regardless of the state of hydration.

Hydrocolloid compositions can include a variety of components. Ahydrocolloid composition can contain, for example, an adhesive base, agelling agent, an absorptive agent, a setting agent, an anti-microbialagent, or a mixture thereof.

Suitable adhesive bases include polyisobutylenes and acrylics, both ofwhich possess the desirable characteristics of biocompatibility andstrong adhesiveness for skin and catheter materials. Other suitableadhesive bases include any of a variety of non-toxic polymers, forexample, styrene, butadiene, styrene isoprene block copolymers,urethanes, silicones, styrene butadiene copolymers, methyl acrylatecopolymers, acrylic acid, polyacrylates, and blends or copolymersthereof.

Suitable bases include bioadhesives for application to the epitheliumthat can be compatible with mucosal surfaces and exposed dermis. When apolyisobutylene (PIB) is used, a suitable type is a hot-melt,solvent-free compound with a high molecular weight (“MW”). An example ofan acceptable high MW polyisobutylene is “VISTANEX® L-140” availablefrom Exxon Corp. and having a MW in the range of from 117,000 to 135,000daltons. The composition can include a low MW polyisobutylene, such as“VISTANEX® LMH”, with a MW in the range of from 11,600 to 12,300daltons. The composition can include a high MW acrylic adhesive, such as“HRJ-4326”, with a MW in the range of 105,000 to 125,00 daltons,available from Schenectedy International, Inc., of Schenectedy N.Y. Thecomposition can include a lower MW acrylic adhesive, such as“HRJ-10753”, with a MW in the range of 81,000-91,000 daltons, alsoavailable from Schenectedy International, Inc. In an embodiment of thehydrocolloid composition, the adhesive base makes up about 20 to about60 wt-% of the hydrocolloid composition.

The term “bioadhesive” as used herein means an adhesive that adheres toor, for example, can strongly attach to a biological surface such asskin or mucosal tissue. Suitable bioadhesives include those that canmaintain adhesion in moist or wet in vivo or in vitro environments. Thestrength of adherence of a hydrocolloid composition to a surface can bemeasured by standard tests for measuring the force, e.g. in dynes persquare centimeter, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,697.

Suitable gel agents include biocompatible compounds which, when exposedto water or aqueous solutions, form a solid gel, gelatin or highlyviscous liquid. Suitable gel agents include sodium alginate, pectin,gelatin and agar.

Suitable absorptive agents include calcium silicate, and natural orsynthetic polysaccharides. Suitable polysaccharides include cellulosederivatives such as methylcellulose, cellulose acetate,carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose and the like.

Certain absorptive agents possess the capability to absorb and holdwater or aqueous fluids in a colloidal mass. In a typical hydratedcolloidal mass, the absorbed water or aqueous fluid may weigh many timesthe weight of the absorptive agent. These absorptive agents includepolysaccharides such as, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, pectin, guar gum,cellulose, and cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, propylcellulose, cellulose acetate and the like, along with other substancesknown for use in forming a solid colloid that can adhere to skin andmucosa, used alone or in combination with various adhesive bases.

Other suitable absorptive agents include those prepared optionally frompartially esterified polyacrylic acid polymers, including but notlimited to, polyacrylic acid polymers lightly crosslinked with apolyalkenyl polyether such as those commercially available from B. F.Goodrich, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the trademarks “CARBOPOL® 934”,“CARBOPOL® 934P”, “CARBOPOL® 940” and “CARBOPOL® 941.”

Additional suitable absorptive agents include hydrophilic polysaccharidegums such as natural plant exudates, including karaya gum, ghatti gum,tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, jaraya gum and the like, as well as seedgums such as guar gum, locust bean gum, psillium seed gum and the like.

Setting agents suitable for the compositions include calcium salts suchas calcium chloride, calcium phosphate and calcium sulphate. Thecorresponding magnesium salts may also be useful as setting agents.

Anti-microbial agents that can be employed in the hydrocolloidcomposition include an anti-fungal agent (e.g., magnesium borate) andother known topical anti-microbial agents, including bacitracin zinc,povidone iodine, benzalkonium chloride, neomycin sulfate, polymyxin Bsulfate, silver sulfadiazine and mupirocin.

Hydrocolloid Containing Silicone Sheath

In an embodiment, the present invention can include a sheath including ahydrocolloid silicone composition. A hydrocolloid silicone compositioncan include silicone rubber, a polyacrylic acid polymer, and,optionally, a neutralizer. In such an embodiment, the hydrocolloidcomposition can be a component of the adhesive layer, of one or moresilicone rubber layers, or of both adhesive and silicone rubber layers.

In an embodiment, the present catheter retainer can include a sleeve orsheath made of a hydrocolloid silicone composition. The present catheterretainer can include a sleeve or sheath including a layer ofhydrocolloid silicone composition disposed under the adhesive. Althoughnot limiting to the present invention, it is believed that thehydrocolloid silicone composition beneath the adhesive can increase usercomfort, for example, when removing the condom catheter. For example,the hydrocolloid silicone composition beneath the adhesive can reducemaceration of tissue (e.g., skin) to which the adhesive adheres.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the resilient material caninclude a hydrocolloid. Or, both the adhesive and at least a portion ofthe resilient material include a hydrocolloid.

In an embodiment, the tubular sleeve or the sheath can be made of aresilient material (e.g., silicone rubber, a hydrocolloid siliconecomposition, or layers of both) and can have an inner surface and anouter surface.

In an embodiment of the present method of making the present catheterretainer, the method can include applying a hydrocolloid siliconecomposition to the mandrel and over an adhesive composition; and curingthe silicone rubber to form a condom catheter comprising a layer ofhydrocolloid adhesive composition, a hydrocolloid silicone composition,or both; and removing the condom catheter from the mandrel.

Referring to the Figures, in an embodiment, catheter retainer 1 can bemade of silicone rubber (e.g., the present hydrocolloid siliconecomposition). In certain embodiments, catheter retainer 1 can be made bycombining two or more layers of a silicone rubber solution or ofseparate silicone rubber solutions. For example, one solution can be asilicone rubber solution and another solution can be a solution of ahydrocolloid silicone composition.

Methods

The present invention includes a method of catheterizing a subject. Thismethod can include providing a catheter retention sheath. This catheterretention sheath can include a catheter retainer configured to couple toa shaft of a urinary catheter. The catheter retainer can define anaperture. A first portion of the aperture can be configured to allowaxial movement of the shaft of the urinary catheter through theaperture. A second portion of the aperture can be configured to retainthe shaft of the urinary catheter. This method also includes inserting ashaft of a urinary catheter into the first portion of the aperture,inserting a portion of the shaft of the urinary catheter into asubject's urethra, and urging the shaft of the urinary catheter from thefirst portion of the aperture into the second portion of the aperture.

The present invention includes a method of making a catheter retentionsheath. This method includes applying silicone rubber to a portion of amandrel and forming an aperture in the silicone rubber. A first portionof the aperture can be configured to allow axial movement of the shaftof the urinary catheter through the aperture. A second portion of theaperture can be configured to retain the shaft of the urinary catheter.This method also includes curing the silicone rubber to form thecatheter retention sheath defining the aperture.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture oftwo or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” isgenerally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the term “configured” describes a system, apparatus, orother structure that is constructed or configured to perform aparticular task or adopt a particular configuration. The term“configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases suchas arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, adapted andconfigured, adapted, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and thelike.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific andpreferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understoodthat many variations and modifications may be made while remainingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A catheter retention sheath, comprising: a sheathconfigured to fit over a penis; the sheath comprising a catheterretainer, the catheter retainer configured to couple to a shaft of aurinary catheter; the catheter retainer defining an aperture, a firstportion of the aperture being configured to allow axial movement of theshaft of the urinary catheter through the aperture, a second portion ofthe aperture being configured to retain the shaft of the urinarycatheter, wherein urine flow through the shaft of the urinary catheteris unobstructed when the shaft is retained in the second portion.
 2. Thecatheter retention sheath of claim 1, wherein the first portion of theaperture is larger than an outside diameter of the shaft of the urinarycatheter.
 3. The catheter retention sheath of claim 2, wherein the firstportion of the aperture is configured to allow the urinary catheter intoand through the sheath.
 4. The catheter retention sheath of claim 1,wherein the second portion of the aperture is configured to immobilizethe urinary catheter in the sheath.
 5. The catheter retention sheath ofclaim 1, wherein, after the urinary catheter is inserted in a subject,the second portion of the aperture is configured to restrict motion ofthe urinary catheter with respect to the subject.
 6. The catheterretention sheath of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the apertureis, in a relaxed state, approximately the same size as or smaller thanan outside diameter of the shaft of the urinary catheter.
 7. Thecatheter retention sheath of claim 1, further comprising a neck portionthat defines part or all of the second portion of the aperture.
 8. Thecatheter retention sheath of claim 7, wherein the neck portion comprisesa tube coupled to the sheath, the tube defining an axial slit.
 9. Thecatheter retention sheath of claim 1, wherein the catheter retainercomprises an integral conical portion of thick material that definespart or all of the second portion of the aperture, the thick materialbeing thicker than material of the sheath.
 10. The catheter retentionsheath of claim 1, wherein the catheter retainer further defines a slitthat couples the first portion of the aperture to the second portion ofthe aperture.
 11. The catheter retention sheath of claim 1, wherein theurinary catheter comprises a straight catheter or a Foley catheter. 12.The catheter retention sheath of claim 1, wherein the sheath furthercomprises an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surfacecomprising an adhesive configured to adhere to the penis.
 13. Thecatheter retention sheath of claim 1, further comprising a band made ofresilient material and configured to retain the sheath on the penis. 14.The catheter retention sheath of claim 1, wherein the catheter retentionsheath is made of a composition comprising silicone.
 15. The catheterretention sheath of claim 1, wherein the catheter retention sheath ismade of silicone rubber.
 16. The catheter retention sheath of claim 1,wherein the sheath comprises a tubular sleeve member of resilientmaterial rolled outwardly upon itself, the sleeve member having an outersurface and an inner surface; wherein the outer surface of the sleevemember contacts a layer of adhesive and the layer of adhesive contactsthe inner surface of the sleeve member.
 17. The catheter retentionsheath of claim 16, wherein the layer of adhesive comprises ahydrocolloid composition.
 18. The catheter retention sheath of claim 16,wherein the layer of adhesive composition is between inner and outersurfaces of one or more consecutive rolls so that the layer of adhesiveis covered by the inner surface of the sleeve member when the sheath isin rolled up condition.
 19. The catheter retention sheath of claim 1,wherein the second portion of the aperture forms a curved shape with aradius that is the same as or smaller than a radius of the shaft of theurinary catheter between a longitudinal axis of the shaft of the urinarycatheter and an outer surface of the urinary catheter.
 20. A catheterretention sheath, comprising: a sheath configured to fit over a penis;the sheath comprising a catheter retainer, the catheter retainerconfigured to couple to a shaft of a urinary catheter; the catheterretainer defining an aperture, a first portion of the aperture beingconfigured to allow axial movement of the shaft of the urinary catheterthrough the aperture, a second portion of the aperture being configuredto retain the shaft of the urinary catheter, wherein the second portionof the aperture is configured to immobilize the urinary catheter in thesheath.
 21. A catheter retention sheath, comprising: a sheath configuredto fit over a penis; the sheath comprising a catheter retainer, thecatheter retainer configured to couple to a shaft of a urinary catheter;the catheter retainer defining an aperture, a first portion of theaperture being configured to allow axial movement of the shaft of theurinary catheter through the aperture, a second portion of the aperturebeing configured to retain the shaft of the urinary catheter, whereinthe second portion of the aperture forms a curved shape with a radiusthat is the same as or smaller than a radius of the shaft of the urinarycatheter between a longitudinal axis of the shaft of the urinarycatheter and an outer surface of the urinary catheter.